Penn State football’s 2025 season ended on a high note with a win over Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl.

It’s a win for the Nittany Lions that closes a season that got away from them after being a preseason top-three-ranked team. After the game, interim coach Terry Smith got emotional during a postgame interview with ESPN’s Taylor McGregor inside Yankee Stadium.

‘I love this group. They’re just a special group of guys. This is the greatest moment in my life,’ Smith told McGregor. ‘It’s just a great moment for me, my family. God, I said I wasn’t going to do that (cry) again, but I’m just so happy for our guys.’

He added: ‘I love Penn State. I love football. And the game and Penn State have done amazing things for me and my family. I’m just thankful and grateful.’

Saturday’s win over Clemson closes out Smith’s run as interim coach tenure with a 4-3 record since he took over for James Franklin, who was fired on Oct. 12 following an 0-3 start to Big Ten play. Since beginning his stint with an 0-3 record, he led the Nittany Lions to four straight wins, including three wins to end the regular season and become bowl eligible.

In the winding seconds of the Pinstripe Bowl, Penn State fans began chanting Smith’s name, a gesture that highlights the job Smith did in his interim stint to salvage a season that once had national championship aspirations. The chants resurfaced during the trophy presentation at Yankee Stadium.

‘We dictated the terms of the last four games. I can’t be more proud of these guys, these kids. They played their hearts out,’ Smith said. ‘What a resilient group. They could have laid down and quit. They didn’t have to play. They didn’t have to come show up here at the Pinstripe Bowl, but they did.

‘They played really, really hard. It’s just a testament of Penn State and the character it builds coming to a great university like that.’

Smith, a former Penn State wide receiver and a member of Franklin’s staff since 2013, interviewed for the full-time coaching position but ultimately was not chosen, as Penn State hired Matt Campbell away from Iowa State. Despite not getting the full-time job, Smith is being retained by Campbell and was rewarded with a new, four-year deal to stay in Happy Valley.

The Nittany Lions’ win over Clemson marked their 34th bowl win in program history, which ranks for the fourth most in Division I FBS history.

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The United States had to overcome adversity to beat Switzerland 2-1 and improve to 2-0 at the world junior hockey championship.

The biggest was the loss of star defenseman Cole Hutson, who left the game on a stretcher after being hit in the head by a shot in the second period. He was evaluated at a local hospital and was discharged to rejoin his teammates, USA Hockey said.

The USA, which led 1-0 at the time on a Brodie Ziemer goal, gave up a tying goal to Switzerland soon after the injury. But Notre Dame goalie Nick Kempf came up with a big save on a breakaway then Will Zellers restored the USA’s lead.

Zellers did the same in the USA’s opening game, scoring each time Germany had pulled within a goal. He has three goals and the game-winning goal in both games.

There wasn’t much room to maneuver as Switzerland played a tight-checking game. After getting 47 shots in the opener, the USA was held to 20 on Saturday.

“It was a battle and I give our guys a lot of credit, they played a heckuva game,” said Team USA Bob Motzko. “They’re (Switzerland) a well-coached team and keep coming at you.’

Next up for the USA is Slovakia on Dec. 29 and Sweden on Dec. 31 to finish group play. The top four advance to the quarterfinals, which will be Jan. 2. The semifinals are on Jan. 4 and the medal games on Jan. 5.

USA vs. Switzerland highlights

Cole Hutson injury update

USA Hockey reports that Cole Hutson was released from the hospital and is back with the team. He’s listed as day-to-day.

Next opponent for USA

The USA will play Slovakia on Monday, Dec. 29. Slovakia is 1-1 after falling to Sweden in the opener and beating Germany on Saturday.

Players of the game

Giam Meier for Switzerland and Brodie Ziemer for the USA.

Final score: USA 2, Switzerland 1

The Americans survive a tight-checking game and the loss of Cole Hutson, who left the game on a stretcher. Brodie Ziemer and Will Zellers scored the goals. Zellers has two game-winning goals in two games. Nick Kempf was steady in net, stopping a breakaway not long after Switzerland had tied the game.

Switzerland hits crossbar

USA still up 2-1 with 43.2 seconds left.

Switzerland pulls goalie

Christian Kirsch is on the bench for an extra attacker with less than two minutes left.

USA flurry

LJ Mooney hits the post and goalie Christian Kirsch stops him on another attempt.

Switzerland power play

Asher Barnett is called for holding the stick. The USA kills it off.

Midway through third period

Still 2-1. Tight-checking period.

USA power play

Robin Antenen is called for roughing. USA is 0-for-5 in the tournament and is now 0-for-6.

Third period underway

2-1 USA. Switzerland kills off the rest of the U.S. power play.

Cole Hutson injury update

NHL Network reported that Cole Hutson is under observation at a local hospital and was conscious and alert.

End of second: USA 2, Switzerland 1

Switzerland tied the game not long after star defenseman Cole Hutson was taken off the ice on a stretcher, but Will Zellers restored the USA lead with his third goal of the tournament.

USA power play

Ludvig Johnson is called for delay of game. The power play will carry into the third period.

USA retakes lead

Will Zellers throws a puck at the net and it beats Christian Kirsch up high for a 2-1 lead. It’s the third goal of the tournament for Zellers. USA 2, Switzerland 1

Switzerland ties it up

Basile Sansonnens takes a shot from the point and it beats a screened USA goalie Nick Kempf over his glove to tie the game. USA 1, Switzerland 1.

Cole Hutson injury update

USA defenseman Cole Hutson is down on the ice after appearing to get hit in the neck or back of the head by a shot. Stretcher is coming out and they’ve immobilized him and wheeled him off. He was moving his feet around while on the ice.

Midway through second period

USA-Switzerland continues to be a tight-checking game. Americans lead 1-0. Just five shots so far in the period.

Canada beats Latvia

No upset this time. Canada’s Michael Hage scores 44 seconds in overtime for a 2-1 win. Gavin McKenna picked up his second assist of the game.

Canada-Latvia score

Latvia ties the game with less than two minutes left and it’s going to overtime with the score 1-1. Latvia upset Canada at last season’s tournament in the round robin.

USA takes the lead

Brodie Ziemer takes a drop pass and rips a shot past Christian Kirsch at 1:12. James Hagens and Will Horcoff get the assists. USA 1, Switzerland 0

Second period underway

Still scoreless.

End of first: USA 0, Switzerland 0

Already a big change from the 2025 quarterfinals, when the USA dominated and Christian Kirsch was pulled. Kirsch has been solid, Switzerland has forechecked well and had the early lead in shots. But the USA plays better down the stretch and now has outshot Switzerland 8-4. Teddy Stiga had two scoring chances and set up Brodie Ziemer on another.

Switzerland power play

Logan Hensler is called for holding. USA kills it off. The Americans get good short-handed chances by Cole Hutson and Brodie Ziemer, but the game remains scoreless.

Teddy Stiga chance

Stiga has been the USA’s most dangerous player this game. Christian Kirsch makes a glove save on him.

USA power play

Jamiro Reber is called for hooking. The USA went 0-for-3 on the power play against Germany in the opener. They’re now 0-for-4 in the tournament. The Americans get one shot with the man advantage.

Eight minutes in

Scoreless. Shots are 3-2 Switzerland. Nick Kempf is called upon to make a few big saves.

Game underway

USA is 1-0. Switzerland is making its 2026 tournament debut.

What channel is USA vs. Switzerland world juniors hockey game today?

TV channel: NHL Network

Livestream: Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers, or Sling TV.

What time is USA vs. Switzerland world juniors hockey game today?

Date: Saturday, Dec. 27

Time: 6 p.m. ET (5 p.m. local time)

The game is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. ET (5 p.m. local time) at the Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the home of the Minnesota Wild.

World juniors USA vs Switzerland: How to watch, stream

Time: 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, Dec. 27

Location: Grand Casino Arena (Saint Paul, Minnesota)

TV: NHL Network

Streaming: Fubo and certain levels of Sling TV carry NHL Network.

Today’s world juniors hockey schedule

All times p.m. ET

Saturday, Dec. 27

• Slovakia 4. Germany 1: Tomas Chrenko had a natural hat trick as Slovakia picked up its first win of the tournament. Germany, which lost for a second time, got a goal from Dustin Willhoft.
• Canada 2, Latvia 1: Canada continues its redemption tour. It beat Czechia in the opener after losing a year ago in the quarterfinals. Now it beat Latvia after losing in the round robin last year. Latvia had tied the game with less than two minutes left, but Canada’s Michael Hage ended it quickly in overtime. Gavin McKenna had two assists.
• USA 2, Switzerland 1: Will Zellers had the game-winning goal for the second game in a row as the USA improved to 2-0. Cole Hutson was taken to the hospital for observation after being hit in the head by a puck and was later discharged, per TSN.
• Czechia 7. Denmark 2: Tomas Galvas had a goal and two assists in the rout. The Czechs scored three power-play goals, including on a five-minute penalty to Denmark defenseman Jesper Olesen, who was ejected for checking to the head. 

Goaltending matchup

USA’s Nick Kempf vs. Switzerland’s Christian Kirsch. Kempf plays for Notre Dame. Kirsch was pulled in the 2025 quarterfinals when the USA scored three goals in less than five minutes.

USA-Switzerland world juniors history

The USA and Switzerland are meeting for the 28th time at the world junior championships. The USA has never lost, recording 25 victories and two ties.

USA lineup

Switzerland lineup

Cole Hutson chasing U.S. record

Capitals prospect Cole Hutson needs one point to tie Erik Johnson (14) for most points by a U.S. defenseman at the world junior championships. Hutson led all scorers last season with 11 points and had two assists in the opener against Germany.

8 U.S. players back from gold-medal team

The United States has brought back eight players from last year’s gold medal team: forwards Cole Eiserman, James Hagens, Max Plante, Teddy Stiga and Brodie Ziemer, plus defensemen Logan Hensler, Cole Hutson and Adam Kleber. 

All except Hensler recorded a point against Germany. Hutson had two points.

Hagens scored twice against Switzerland during last season’s tournament quarterfinal.

How USA beat Germany

Will Zellers scored twice, restoring the USA’s two-goal lead after Germany pulled within 3-2 and 4-3. Cole Eiserman also scored after Zellers’ second goal for the final 6-3 margin. The Americans outshot Germany 15-4 in a scoreless third period and 47-21 for the game.

World juniors 2026 predictions

Who will win gold, silver and bronze at this year’s tournament? Who will take home the individual awards? Here are predictions from The Hockey News staff.

Hockey Canada apologizes for lack of handshakes

Hockey Canada issued a statement apologizing for skating off the ice after its 7-5 win against Czechia on Friday without shaking hands.

‘I didn’t know, but I know now,’ Canada coach Dale Hunter told reporters. ‘There will be a handshake (after the Latvia game), and I’ll say sorry to the Czechs.’

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The NBA matchup between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Phoenix Suns reached an unexpected level of intensity on Saturday night.

The Suns had built up an 87-83 lead in the final minutes of the third quarter before members of the opposing teams started to exchange blows.

Collin Gillespie had the ball at midcourt for the Suns while teammate Mark Williams began to set up a screen, attempting to guard Jose Alvarado of the Pelicans.

The officials on the court quickly blew the whistle, which led Alvarado to briefly turn toward the referee to express his displeasure before he turned back around to exchange words with Williams.

The two began to exchange blows and had to be separated by teammates and coaches. Both Alvarado and Williams were ejected from the game.

The NBA is expected to issue punishment for the participating parties in the coming days.

The Suns went on to win the game, 123-114.

INGLEWOOD, CA — After an 0-3 regular-season start, the Houston Texans have lifted off.

The Texans held on to beat the Los Angeles Chargers 20-16 on Saturday to clinch a playoff berth.

C.J. Stroud and the Texans got off to an early 14-0 first-quarter lead and held off the Chargers as they attempted to fight back into the game.  

Houston’s top-ranked defense led the way as the unit contained Justin Herbert and the Chargers offense for most of the contest.  

The Texans have won a league-best eight consecutive games and have punched their ticket into the postseason.

Here are the winners and losers from Saturday’s AFC battle:

Winners

Texans defense

The stingy defense flexed its muscle against Los Angeles. Houston had the NFL’s No. 1 total defense and ranked No. 1 in points allowed entering Week 17. In the first half, the Texans defense held the Chargers to three points and six first downs.

Houston sacked Herbert five times and registered eight hits.

The Chargers gained 275 yards of total offense. Omarion Hampton was held to 29 rushing yards.

Danielle Hunter, Will Anderson Jr. entered the game with a combined 24 ½ sacks. Hunter had a sack in the win. Anderson was credited for a half-sack.

C.J. Stroud to Iowa State products in first quarter

Stroud and rookie Jayden Higgins hooked up for a 75-yard touchdown on the third play of the game to lift the Texans to an early 7-0 lead. It was the longest touchdown pass of Stroud’s career. On Houston’s next possession, Stroud tossed a 43-yard touchdown to rookie Jaylin Noel to give the team a 14-0 lead in the first quarter.

Higgins and Noel are the second rookie duo in NFL history and the first since 1938 to each record touchdown receptions of 40-plus yards in the same game, per NFL Research. Higgins and Noel were also teammates at Iowa State.

Stroud started the game 4-of-4 passing for 142 yards and two touchdowns.

It was 14-0 before fans got comfortable in their seats. The Texans outgained the Chargers 171 to 15 in total yards in the first period.

Texans playoff bound

Houston clinched a playoff berth with a win Saturday. The Texans have defeated the Chargers their past two meeting, including in the 2024 playoffs.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos officially clinched the AFC West title as a result of the Chargers’ loss. It’s Denver’s first division title since 2015.

Losers

Chargers’ offensive line

The Chargers offensive line has been ravaged by injuries this season.

The patchwork O-line faltered against Hunter, Anderson and the Texans defense. Herbert was sacked a handful of times. He was under duress all game.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts have officially been eliminated from playoff contention as a result of Houston’s win.

Chargers’ first-quarter defense

The Chargers secondary performed as though the group was on Christmas vacation. The secondary started the contest with huge busted coverages on back-to-back series. One resulted in a 75-yard touchdown catch by Higgins and the other was a 43-yard touchdown reception by Noel.

The Chargers defense gave up 151 passing yards and two touchdowns in the first quarter.

Rookie mistakes for Oronde Gadsden

Gadsden had two crucial drops. One drop ricocheted off his hands near the end zone and into the hands of Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. Gadsden had another drop early in the second half that erased what would’ve been a first down.

The Chargers rookie tight end did have a 1-yard touchdown catch late in the third quarter.

Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker, punter JK Scott

Dicker, the most accurate kicker in NFL history, missed an easy 32-yard field goal at the end of the first half. A successful field goal attempt would’ve cut the Chargers’ halftime deficit to 14-6. He also missed an extra point attempt in the fourth quarter with under four minutes remaining that would’ve trimmed Houston’s advantage to three points.

Dicker had made 94.1% of his career field goals entering Week 17.

Scott had punts of just 22 and 34 yards in the second half.

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.

The Lane Train has made a stop in H-Town.

LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry confirmed to WAFB’s Jacques Doucet prior to kickoff that new LSU football coach Lane Kiffin will be in attendance inside NRG Stadium for the Tigers’ contest against Houston in the Texas Bowl, and will be doing some ‘media coverage.’

Kiffin’s presence was teased by former LSU defensive tackle Booger McFarland on ABC during halftime of the Pop-Tarts Bowl between BYU and Georgia Tech. Kiffin also posted a photo of himself inside a private jet with an LSU pennant flag on his personal X (formerly Twitter) account earlier in the day.

While it is not unusual for an incoming coach to attend a bowl game of his new program, it is the first public appearance for Kiffin since he took over the Tigers program as the successor to Brian Kelly, outside of his introductory news conference.

Kiffin, who congratulated his former program on their first-ever CFP win on Saturday, Dec. 20 against Tulane, led Mississippi to a 55-19 overall record in six seasons.

Here’s what to know about why Kiffin is at NRG Stadium for LSU’s bowl game against Houston:

Why is Lane Kiffin at Texas Bowl between LSU-Houston?

Kiffin is getting an early look at his new team in action, as the former Ole Miss coach was named the successor to Kelly at LSU on Sunday, Nov. 30.

The veteran head coach was one of the most sought-after coaches in this coaching carousel, as he mentioned during his introductory news conference at LSU on Monday, Dec. 1 that there were four options on the table for him, including staying at Ole Miss and continuing to build the Rebels into a powerhouse.

He ultimately chose LSU.

‘This place is different. Having watched this place for a long time and from the other sideline. This place is different, and that’s why we’re here,’ Kiffin said at his introductory news conference.

He added: ‘As we’re going to the office, and you go by Tiger Stadium, and it’s lit up, and you are like, ‘I absolutely made the right decision,’ and (any bad feelings) all went away.’

Kiffin will be tasked with rebuilding the LSU program into a national championship contender, as the Tigers have missed out on the College Football Playoff each year since their national championship in 2020.

Who is coaching LSU in Texas Bowl?

LSU interim head coach Frank Wilson is coaching the Tigers in the Texas Bowl against Houston on Dec. 27. Wilson, a longtime assistant coach at LSU across two different stints, has led the Tigers to a 2-2 record since being elevated to interim head coach by Woodward.

The Texas Bowl will be the final game Wilson coaches at LSU, as he is returning to Ole Miss to be on Pete Golding’s first staff in Oxford. Wilson spent three seasons with the Rebels from 2005 through 2007 as a running back and special teams coach. During availability in Houston on Friday, Dec. 26, Wilson mentioned he and Kiffin couldn’t come to a resolution on keeping him in Baton Rouge, despite Kiffin ‘wanting to find a way to work it out.’

Russell Westbrook passed basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson on the NBA’s all-time assist list as the Sacramento Kings defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 113-107, on Dec. 27 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.

Westbrook led the team with 21 points and nine assists, including 5-of-9 from 3-point distance. Keon Ellis also scored 21 points and five made 3s. The Kings got a huge boost from rookie center Maxime Raynaud, who had 19 points, six rebounds and two blocks on 60% shooting from the field.

‘I’m truly blessed and thankful to the man above for just allowing me and gifting me with a talent to go out and play basketball,’ Westbrook said to reporters. ‘It’s an honor. Magic is one of the greats. … Growing up in inner-city Los Angeles you know Magic did a lot for the underserved and he continues to do a lot. It’s something that I kind of modeled and wanted to make sure the philanthropy side was done.’

He added: ‘For him that is something that I’m grateful for, to be able to pass him because he’s such a legend in so many different ways.’

Another career milestone for Westbrook was passing the 2,000th steal mark in his career, where he sits at No. 15 behind Mookie Blaylock. He’s third among active players behind LeBron James and Chris Paul.

It’s something he never thought would be possible.

‘That’s why I don’t want to take credit. I can’t even imagine,’ Westbrook said. ‘I grew up wanting to play football. … I always knew if given an opportunity to be somebody I would take full advantage of it. That’s why every time I step on the floor I don’t take anything for granted. I don’t take plays (off) or anything for granted because this was given to me not just for basketball but to use a platform to be able to help and inspire people.’

He continued: ‘So I hope the way I play the game, I hope the way people see me competing, yes the record’s great but I hope it inspires other people and people across the world to do great things in their lives as well.’

Rookie Cooper Flagg led the Mavericks with 23 points. P.J. Washington had 17 points and four blocks on the afternoon. Sharp shooter Klay Thompson had 14 points off the bench and Naji Marshall chipped in with 11.

While the Kings improved to 8-23 on the season, the Mavs fell to 12-21.

Here are highlights from the Kings and Mavericks game on Saturday, Dec. 27:

Kings vs. Mavericks highlights

1^st quarter highlights

Keon Ellis got the start today after seeing his game action and playing minutes become sporadic.

Ellis opened the quarter with 13 points, making his first four shots including back-to-back 3-point buckets on passes from veterans Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan.

Westbrook passed Magic Johnson on the all-time assists leaders list to become No. 7 in NBA history. He had five points and four assists in the first quarter to help the Kings jump out to a 17-point lead.

The Mavericks, who went on a responding run, found themselves down 31-23 at the end of the period.

2^nd quarter highlights

The Kings kept their pressure up defensively. Offensively, guys continued to share the ball and attack the Mavericks defense.

Guys who came off the bench entered the game ready to play. Despite his name swirling in trade rumors, Malik Monk came off the bench to provide a spark for the Kings.

Monk made a mid-range step-back, had active hands-on defense that turned into easy buckets whether for him or teammates filling the lane on fastbreaks. He scored four points in nine minutes.

The Mavericks were afforded scoring efforts from multiple players. P.J. Washington led Dallas at the half with nine points, Naji Marshall tallied seven, Daniel Gafford and Max Christie each had six.

Sacramento had three players in double-figures at half: Ellis (13), Westbrook (12) and rookie center Maxime Raynaud (11). Kings led 59-44 at half.

3^rd quarter highlights

Both teams opened the second half trading baskets. Westbrook and Raynaud continued to add to their totals, but Dallas would not go away quietly, opening the third quarter on a 11-7 run the first three minutes.

The Mavericks poured on and looked to mount a comeback, cutting the deficit to three with 6:05 in the third quarter behind output from Dallas rookie Cooper Flagg, who scored 15 of his 17 points in the third period.

The Kings came out of that timeout and made consecutive threes, got stops defensively and took back control of the game, going on a 9-0 run to put Sacramento up 80-68 with 3:20 left in the third quarter.

The Kings led at the end of the third quarter, 88-77, following a Jaden Hardy 24-foot three-point step back jump shot with 1.2 seconds left.

4th quarter highlights

Kings’ rookie center Dylan Cardwell, proving to be an energy guy for Sacramento, opened the fourth quarter with a big block at the rim defending a dunk attempt from Dwight Powell.

Cardwell, a couple of plays later, threw down an alley-oop jam on a pass from Dennis Schroder and turned to fire up the crowd and his teammates as he ran back on defense.

Rookie forward Nique Clifford has seen more playing with the absence of Zach LaVine and Keegan Murray, both out with injuries. Clifford provided a spark off the bench with eight points, nine rebounds.

The Mavericks outscored the Kings in the second half, 63-52, but Sacramento was able to hang on for the win.

Kings: Keys to victory review

• Lean on veterans: The veterans have been giving their all for Sacramento, showing the young guys how to be professional and play through the adversity of losing games. DeMar DeRozan has averaged 25.8 points, 4.8 assists and four rebounds for the Kings in his last five games. Russell Westbrook, who has had a double-double in four of his last five games has averaged 16.6 points, 7.4 rebounds and seven assists in that span. Westbrook: 21 points, 9 assists.
• Youth movement and energy: The Kings have begun to shift into allowing their young players to get some playing experience, whether due to injury or through signs of promise they’ve shown in practice and games. The team needs to continue to allow the development of Maxime Raynaud, Nique Clifford and Dylan Cardwell. It might not result in many short term wins, but the real victory will be the players the Kings grow to become in the future. That starts now. Raynaud: 19 points, 2 blocks; Cardwell: 8 rebounds, 2 blocks, +4; Clifford: 8 points, 9 rebounds.
• Defensive pressure and transition: The Kings have looked more active defensively in recent games, and it’s started with their intensity on the end which turned into transition baskets on fast breaks. Look for the Kings to keep those hands and feet active, something head coach Doug Christie preaches. Kings defense forced 19 turnovers, and had 16 steals and 7 blocks.
• Team buy-in, stay ready: Some of the guys on the team have seen their minutes chopped. Once key rotation players such as Malik Monk and Keon Ellis have seen their playing time become sporadic and inconsistent compared to what their accustomed to. It’s huge for team morale that whether they play five minutes or 45 minutes, they remain bought in and stay ready for their name to be called. Ellis: 21 points, 5 made 3’s in 32 minutes as a starter; Monk: 7 points, provided energy in 19 minutes.

The Fresno State Bulldogs got the best of the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks, prevailing 18-3 in the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Arizona, on Saturday, Dec. 27.

‘It’s awesome,’ E.J. Warner said in his postgame interview. ‘It’s my first bowl game with these guys here. I love them all. A lot of ups and downs this year but we persevered, got out with nine wins. (I’m) happy for all these guys, happy to be a part of it this year.’

Whenever the Bulldogs needed a big gain on offense, Warner — a transfer from Rice University in Houston — found senior receiver Josiah Freeman. Freeman ended the game with seven catches and 143 yards.

The lone touchdown of the game came from tight end Richie Anderson III on a 2-yard catch in the fourth quarter.

The Bulldogs racked up 391 total yards and held the RedHawks to 192 yards in the game. Hats off to a Fresno State defense that didn’t allow any touchdowns and forced two turnovers: a fumble caused by senior linebacker Jadon Pearson and recovered by Fresno State’s Jakari Embry, who also had an interception in the game.

Fresno State head coach Matt Entz becomes one of the few coaches to win a bowl game in their first year as a college head coach.

‘Hard-fought long season,’ Entz said.

Here are the highlights from Fresno State’s win over Miami in the Arizona Bowl:

Game highlights

1^st quarter highlights

Miami drove down field on its first possession of the game behind back-to-back gains from sophomore receiver Keith Reynolds. He opened the game with 32- and 9-yard runs to put the RedHawks in Fresno State territory before settling for a field goal by kicker Dom Dzioban.

The Miami of Ohio defense forced a three and out returning to offense. RedHawks quarterback Thomas Gotkowski threw the game’s first interception with 8:12 remaining to Fresno State’s Jakari Embry of Gadsden, Alabama.

The Bulldogs offense showed flashes of promise, but could not get much going in the opening quarter. They were held to 45 total yards on offense, compared to Miami’s 85 yards. Yet the Bulldogs only trailed 3-0.  

It’s been a roller coaster season at Fresno State, which started 5-1, then dropped back-to-back games before going 3-1 in its last four games.  

2^nd quarter highlights

Fresno State started to pick it up in the second quarter, converting on first downs, something the Bulldogs didn’t do in the opening 15 minutes.

The Bulldogs made their way down to the red zone before scoring on a 28-yard field goal from senior Dylan Lynch to tie the game, 3-3, with 7:54 in the second quarter.

Fresno State’s defense looked to come alive in the second quarter, forcing a Miami punt which turned into good field position for the Bulldogs after a bad snap pinned the RedHawks punter in his own end zone. He attempted to get the punt off but it was blocked and recovered by Fresno State on Miami’s 10-yard line.

Fresno State ended the drive with a Lynch field goal to take a 6-3 lead.

Miami of Ohio drove down the field on a mix of runs and passes, but turned the ball over on a fumble by Redhawk Jordan Brunson caused by senior linebacker Jadon Pearson recovered by Fresno State’s Embry.

The Bulldogs took advantage getting back to redzone on back-to-back passes from E.J. Warner, who threw a short pass to Josiah Freeman who took it for a 47-yard gain. The next play Warner found tight end Ezekiel Avit for 20 yards.  

Unable to find the end zone, Fresno State settled for a third field goal from Lynch. The Bulldogs led at halftime, 9-3.

3^rd quarter highlights

Miami of Ohio was unable to get anything going on in its first possession of the third quarter. The Bulldog defense forced a punt.

The Warner-Freeman connection caused problems for Miami all day. Warner found Freeman in the third on a short pass that Freeman turned into a big 51-yard gain, putting the Bulldogs closer to scoring position.

That play set up a field goal, but Lynch missed the chip shot from 28 yards.

The RedHawks took over on offense but made nothing of it, punting after failing on first down attempts. However, their defense returned the favor and forced the Bulldogs to punt.

Fresno State’s defense continued to stifle Miami of Ohio, forcing another punt. The third quarter ended with Fresno State ahead, 9-3.

4^th quarter highlights

The Bulldogs scored the first touchdown of the game with 11:12 left in the fourth quarter when Warner found Richie Anderson III on a 2-yard pass. Fresno State failed on its ensuing two-point conversion attempt and led the game, 15-3.

The Bulldogs defense continued to stifle Miami of Ohio. Lynch tacked on one more field goal to seal the deal, giving Fresno State an 18-3 victory.

A year after finishing last in their division, the New England Patriots are in the running for the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoff bracket.

The Patriots’ resurgence in coach Mike Vrabel’s first season at the helm comes thanks to improvement on both sides of the ball. New England’s defense was well below average in 2024; a year later, it’s a top-10 unit by yards and points allowed.

New England’s offense took a bigger jump under Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Second-year quarterback Drake Maye’s led that side of the ball from one of the worst in the league to a top-10 unit as well.

Maye’s top weapon this year has been rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson. New England selected Henderson in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft and he’s grown into a big role in the offense.

Henderson leads the team in scrimmage yards (997) and touchdowns (eight) this season. He left New England’s Week 16 game against the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter with a concussion.

Will Henderson be back for the Patriots’ Week 17 matchup against the New York Jets? Here’s what we know:

Is TreVeyon Henderson playing this week?

Henderson cleared concussion protocol and is expected to play against the Jets this week, per multiple reports.

Henderson was a full-go in practice on Friday, per the team’s injury report.

New England’s used a mixture of Henderson and veteran Rhamondre Stevenson out of the backfield this season. Henderson holds the edge in carries (148 to Stevenson’s 115), rushing yards (776 to 425) and rushing touchdowns (seven to four). After practicing fully, that’s a good sign he’ll be the top runner once again.

AFC playoff picture

The Patriots are hanging around in the race for the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs. After the Denver Broncos’ win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas, New England needs a win over New York to keep pace.

1. Denver Broncos (13-3, AFC West leaders)*
2. New England Patriots (12-3, AFC East leaders)*
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4, AFC South leaders)*
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6, AFC North leaders)
5. Los Angeles Chargers (11-4, wild card No. 1)*
6. Buffalo Bills (11-4, wild card No. 2)*
7. Houston Texans (10-5, wild card No. 3)

In the hunt: Indianapolis Colts (8-7), Baltimore Ravens (7-8)

Jeff Monken will not be running in a rundown for the Boston Red Sox anytime soon.

Shortly after the clock hit 0:00 at Fenway Park, the Army football coach embarked on a run across Fenway Park from his players following the Black Knights’ defeat of UConn in the Fenway Bowl, as he did not want anything to do with a cold Gatorade bath on a frigid December afternoon in Boston. His efforts ultimately failed, as he was taken to the ground and bathed in what appeared to be green Gatorade.

‘They’re trying to catch the coach with the Gatorade,’ one of the ESPN broadcasters said.

Monken is the second notable head coach to attempt dodging the postgame Gatorade celebration bath in the last 24 hours, with the other being UTSA’s Jeff Traylor following the Roadrunners’ win over FIU in the First Responder Bowl on Friday, Dec. 27.

The Black Knights bounced back from the defeat to Navy in the Army-Navy Game with a commanding 41-10 win over the Huskies inside the MLB ballpark on Saturday, Dec. 27. It is just the third win this season for Army that did not finish in a one-score game.

Monken’s squad relied on its bread-and-butter, its run game, to pull out its second consecutive bowl win, as Army finished with 368 rushing yards on 56 attempts. Quarterback Cale Hellums finished with a pair of touchdowns on 45 yards rushing and 15 carries, along with a 40-yard passing touchdown to Noah Short. Freshman Godspower Nwawuihe had a breakout game, as he finished with 171 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns on 12 carries.

Army’s win marks its sixth bowl win under Monken, improving his bowl record to 6-1 in his 12 seasons at West Point.

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